Instead of a traditional Christmas letter, Mr. Sunak thanked public servants for this year, while his government’s heated industrial conflicts with striking workers continue to be a stalemate.
As Ukraine’s war with Russia continues, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sent Christmas greetings to the United Kingdom and thanked Rishi Sunak’s administration and the population for their support.
In a previous statement, the prime minister had released a brief video to social media with the following message: “This Christmas, we are with Ukraine.”
Responding, Mr. Zelenskyy posted: “I appreciate Rishi Sunak and the entire British population! We recognize your support. We sense the light and warmth emanating from your hearts.
“Always, light triumphs over darkness. Together, we will vanquish evil and restore peace in Ukraine, Europe, and the entire world. Happy holidays, friends!”
It occurs as Ukrainians prepare to celebrate their first Christmas since the Russian invasion.
In contrast, Mr. Sunak chose not to send a traditional Christmas letter this year, opting instead to praise public personnel as his government remains mired in acrimonious industrial conflicts with striking workers.
In a departure from the typical Christmas broadcast to the country, the prime minister made four unexpected calls to diplomats and the crew of a naval ship to express his gratitude for their “sacrifices” following an “amazing year.”
Footage of the conversations was released on Friday during a winter marked by significant public sector walkouts affecting the National Health Service, the postal service, and transportation networks.
PM is “personally appreciative of sacrifice”
Mr. Sunak was attempting to demonstrate the importance he takes on public service by contacting the HMS Protector crew, diplomats in Pakistan, Somalia, and Ukraine, and holiday activities and food programs in London.
In a statement, he said, “Whether you are working in Mogadishu or Milton Keynes this Christmas, I want you to know how much I appreciate your service.”
He continued, “Those who have checked on friends and neighbors, volunteers, public workers, and critical service staff who are all working over Christmas, I am sincerely honored by your dedication, and I am confident that your kindness will spread holiday cheer across the nation.”
Mr. Sunak’s message arrived as hundreds of Border Force employees began the first of a series of strikes at airports, joining workers on national highways and Royal Mail employees in demanding higher pay as the cost of living issue worsens.
Defense Secretary Ben Wallace stated on Friday that members of the armed forces will be awarded daily incentives of £20 for stepping in for striking workers throughout the holiday season. This was done to minimize disturbance.
There is a “crisis of poverty” in the civil sector, according to the leader of the striking Border Force workers, who has warned that travel disruptions might last for months unless the government improves its salary offer.
Yesterday, nurses stated that they will be on strike for two consecutive days the next month, adding to the strain already placed on health care by strikes by nurses and ambulance personnel.
The PM will spend his first Christmas as prime minister in his Richmond, North Yorkshire, constituency, with Downing Street stating that he will be briefed on any pressing matters during his time off.
Starmer adopts a more conventional strategy.
In a more typical talk, the leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer, pondered on the hardships endured by Ukrainians as Russian President Vladimir Putin bombards the power grid with missiles in the second year of the conflict.
“I hope you have a joyful and restful Christmas, regardless of how you’re spending the holiday. I am looking forward to spending time with my family away from the daily grind “he remarked.
“As I do so, though, I shall remember all those who work to ensure our safety.
“Those who care for the least poor and our Ukrainian allies who are confronting the tragedy of Putin’s heinous attacks. Their fight for liberty encourages us all.”
In light of the cost of living crisis, Nicola Sturgeon, the leader of the SNP, urged the audience to consider how they may assist others this holiday season.
I also want to thank the men and women serving in our military forces, those caring for us in the National Health Service, and those protecting us in police and fire,” she continued.
Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, wished for a holiday season filled with “hope for a better future.”
“Let us hold in our hearts those less fortunate than ourselves who will not celebrate Christmas with their families, whether because of the loss of loved ones or because of war and disaster,” he urged.
